Discovering stories that leave their mark: “Half a yellow sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie”.

On Sant Jordi’s Day 🌹, we want to celebrate the power of books to transport us, move us and make us reflect.

At Actua, we know that the best lessons come from narratives that touch our hearts and challenge us to look at the world from new perspectives. That is why, on this day, we have interviewed Carolina González, our Digital Learning Specialist, who shares her reflection on Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a book that invites us to explore war, love and resilience through three unforgettable characters.

1. Why did you choose this book?

In Sant Jordi 2023, Actua proposed an initiative in which we were given a book from a list of recommended books by the Management. There were options of all types and genres: technological popularization, leadership, science fiction, classics like Frankenstein… When I saw Half yellow sun on the list, it was clear to me. The author has been a reference of feminism and anti-racism for years, and I had already read several of her works, so I didn’t have to think about it too much.

This is a story with a brilliant narrative, with reflections on social class, on war, on postcolonialism, and with very powerful female characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and all its facets, so it seemed like the perfect selection for today.

2. How did this book make you feel?

It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions. To begin with, I was fascinated to discover the history of Nigeria, a country whose reality I was completely unaware of as a Western person. Getting that window into another culture and a story that had been silenced for me was truly eye-opening.

On the other hand, there are the emotions conveyed by the story and narrative itself. During the first half, it seems to be nothing more than a genre novel about Nigeria, in which we are introduced to the characters with a leisurely narrative pace, which builds a comfortable space for the reader. However, when war breaks out in the story, everything changes. A feeling of constant alarm is awakened, because you know that anything can happen at any moment. This space of comfort and convenience is broken and a feeling of exposure and vulnerability is awakened, which somehow reflects the experiences of the characters in this situation of catastrophe, of uncertainty about the future. It was quite an experience to see how the author managed to transmit what the characters experienced through writing.

Is there anything from this book that you have applied to your life or work?

While this novel tells us a story that is considerably removed from our day-to-day lives, I like to think that, ironically, sometimes the stories we learn the most from are the ones that are the furthest from our reality.

Half yellow sun has provided me with many lessons, but if I had to reduce it to things that I have been able to apply to my life and work, I would do it this way: On a personal level, the importance of class and access to education in the projection of a person, of human connections, of generosity, of valuing the present and being grateful for what we have. On a professional level, I keep what I have learned from a narrative point of view, thanks to Adichie’s style: it is not only about the what, but also about the how. This transferred to e-learning is essential, since we must get used to using a language and style that connects emotionally with the participants in our trainings.

4. If you had to recommend this book in one sentence, what would it be?

A story that educates, shakes, transforms and always embraces.

5. Yes Half a Yellow Sun were an elearning course, how would you structure it so that its message would impact learners?

I think the story structure itself could be quite effective: start by establishing a safe zone, helping to understand the context and become familiar with the content, story and characters. Once the context is clear and understanding is assured, the problem is presented. This sudden change that breaks all the schemes, conveys a sense of emergency and relevance that really makes an impact and leaves a mark.

Finally, we should end with a conclusion, because the objective of e-learning courses is not only to present information or problems, but also to offer solutions. While the history of Half yellow sun does not propose a definitive “solution” to all the conflicts it exposes (war, class inequality, the consequences of colonialism…), but it does end with a hopeful message, which somehow helps to face these challenges in a more promising way. In the same way, our course should have a closing that invites to apply what we have learned and to face the challenges with the new tools we have acquired.

6. There are books that entertain us and books that transform us. What change did it leave in you? Half a yellow sun after reading it?

Undoubtedly, the interest to keep learning and knowing about stories of all kinds, to go into the unknown and continue growing outside the limits. We often fall into the error or habit of reading or informing ourselves only about things we already know. This is fine, since at the end of the day reading has to be a personal space where we enjoy the journey. But I am left with the greatness of exploration and the desire to keep listening to new voices.

7. If you could share a coffee with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, what would you ask her about this book?

I don’t think I would know where to start. There are so many fragments that I have underlined and the moments that have marked me, that I would need a dinner with a long after-dinner conversation.

I would probably ask him about his writing process and character building, reflecting on how he manages to touch so many areas in such a natural way, constantly inviting critical thinking.

8. Would you recommend this book?

No doubt about it. Half yellow sun is a journey that awakens tenderness, curiosity, affection, fear, rage, impotence, hope… I could go on like this infinitely. And I know that each person who reads it will discover something new, so I would be thrilled to share it with more people.

In this Sant Jordi’s Day, dare to discover stories that will make you see the world with different eyes.